Abstract: A power skinning knife having a single substantially disc shaped blade driven in continuous unidirectional rotary motion with a pair of blade shields on opposite sides of the blade covering most of the blade and exposing only a limited depth arcuate cutting region of the blade between the perimeter of the shield and the cutting edge. The blade is driven by a pneumatic motor that is geared to turn first and second toothed pulleys connected by a toothed belt. The blade may be circular or lobed and mounted concentrically or offset to provide either a smooth or pulsing cutting action. The tool may also include a wiping element which removes debris from the blade edge before it enters the tool housing and a steeling element which can be actuated by the operator's thumb while the tool is being used to sharpen the blade.

Abstract: A power skinning knife with a drive mechanism that may be easily removed for cleaning and a high efficiency pneumatic motor. The main drive gear is located on the same side of the pinion gear as the drive mechanism cover plate permitting removal of the drive mechanism without removing the drive motor. Other improvements include a replaceable main bearing plate in case of bearing failure damage, a combined drive mechanism cover and barrier plate manufactured of a different material than the remained of the housing to increase wear resistance, hollow drive pins to reduce the oscillating mass and operating vibration, and a spring mounting for the motor to assure accurate alignment of the motor and gearing system after each disassembly of the tool.